Liver Disease
Inflammation
One of the first indications in the early stage of liver disease is inflammation, in which the liver becomes swollen and tender. Inflammation is usually an indication that the body is repairing damage or fighting infection. The liver can begin to be damaged permanently if the inflammation continues for a long time.
Usually, if a part of the body becomes inflamed, pain is experienced in that location. However, when the liver becomes inflamed, a person feels no discomfort. If the liver disease is discovered at this early stage it can be diagnosed and treated and the inflammation may be reduced.
Fibrosis
If the inflammation is not treated, the liver will begin to scar. The excess scar tissue that grows gradually replaces healthy liver tissue. This process of scar tissue growth is called fibrosis.
Fibrotic liver tissue does not work as efficiently as healthy liver tissue. It can keep blood from flowing through the liver. As it becomes more damaged, liver function becomes greatly reduced; in some instances the undamaged part of the liver has to work harder to perform the function the damaged part cannot do. If the disease is discovered and treated at this point, there is still a possibility the liver can heal over time.
Cirrhosis
If not treated, the liver can become so badly scarred that it can no longer heal and ceases to function. The stage at which the damage becomes irreversible is called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis leads to other complications, such as liver cancer. The symptoms of cirrhosis may be the first signs of liver disease.
Once diagnosed with cirrhosis it is possible to slow the damage to the liver and keep it from getting worse through treatment.
Liver Failure
Liver failure occurs when the liver loses most or all of its function. This condition is life-threatening and requires urgent medical attention.
Because some of the symptoms of liver failure may be symptoms of many other diseases or conditions, it may not initially be apparent that it is liver failure. As liver failure progresses, often the only option is a liver transplant.
Chronic liver failure is liver damage occurring over a long period of time, usually as a result of cirrhosis.
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